Author:  Richard N. Tooker

Publisher:  Trafford

ISBN:  1-41204690-4

The following review was contributed by Theresa Derwin. To read Theresa's Interview with the author, CLICK HERE

 Categorized as science fiction, Tooker’s debut novel is an intricate blend of scientific discovery and political intrigue.  The novel charts the ultimate find of “The Titicaca Effect”, a natural occurrence found in the rather exotic setting of Bolivia resulting in “the new doorway to the cosmos”, a form of anti-gravity capable of sending man into space.

 The book follows the adventures of Tyler Freeman, an investigator assigned to the FAA, who, as Tooker puts it, is “cursed with an obsession to solve mysteries.  His latest assignment is to explain the bizarre disappearance of American Flight 291. On a flight path over Lake Titicaca, the plane has apparently crashed, its passengers missing, presumed dead.  It is this crash, which leads to the startling discovery of “The Titicaca effect”, a natural energy resource destined to change the face of space travel, moving it beyond the sole control of the super powers.  Tyler is joined on his adventures by Thaddeus Stout, eccentric genius and scientist extraordinaire, and Alicia Montoya, the Bolivian beauty who captures Tyler’s heart.  The novel also features the obligatory villains, in the shape of The New Empire of the Incas, a small faction intent on wrestling control of the effect from the Bolivian government.

At times clichéd “I have a very bad feeling about this”, and initially a slow starter, “The Titicaca Effect” still remains a debut worthy of note that shows potential.  There is also the promise of a sequel.  It is obvious from the start, that Tooker’s knowledge of modern science is more than rudimentary.  In fact, he throws out theories on anti-gravity and g-force with more relish than the Child Catcher handing out sweets in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  There is a passion for science here, which surpasses the role of narrator and storyteller. So, if you like your Science Fiction firmly grounded in reality, and based in a contemporary setting rather than on far-flung planets centuries into the future, this is the book for you.